Friday, April 21, 2017

Calvin and Hobbes

Humans are driven by a perpetual and restless desire of power. - Thomas Hobbes

I try not to worry about the violence in the streets of some of our cities. I try not to worry about the men and women we have "out there" on the front lines, many of whom I know personally. I try very hard to maintain a sense of balance and perspective in these trying times.

When our faith is tested by suffering "as gold is tried in a furnace" and we depend with confidence on God and rely entirely on his help, we will be granted the most excellent gift of patience and through faith we may victoriously persevere to the end. - John Calvin

There are times I even doubt the words of my faith, but as I get older I realize that I begin to think more deeply than I did as a callow youth. Sometimes I have questions for which there are no answers. But it doesn't stop me from wondering and thinking and questioning. God gave me a brain, I intend to use it.

The original of all great and lasting societies consisted not in the mutual good will men had toward each other, but in the mutual fear they had of each other. - Thomas Hobbes

Lately, I am just so tired. I don't care to argue, nor to reason thoughtfully, I prefer to sit back and keep my own counsel. There are many matters about which I have strong opinions, but I would rather say nothing than argue about something of which I know nothing.

If God does nothing random, there must always be something to learn. - John Calvin

There is something in the air, I feel a sea change is upon us. I don't know what it is and I don't know if the change will be for good or evil. I just know that things cannot continue the way they are now.

There are far too many idiots in the world. Many of them hold political office. - OAFS

I don't wish to live in interesting times*, I simply wish to enjoy my family, my garden, and the occasional adult beverage from time to time.

Oh yeah, and write this blog. I learn a lot from my readers.

Thank you.

Calvin: Isn’t it strange that evolution would give us a sense of humour? When you think about it, it’s weird that we have a physiological response to absurdity. We laugh at nonsense. We like it. We think it’s funny. Don’t you think it’s odd that we appreciate absurdity? Why would we develop that way? How does it benefit us?

Hobbes: I suppose if we couldn’t laugh at things that don’t make sense, we couldn’t react to a lot of life.

Calvin: (after a long pause) I can’t tell if that’s funny or really scary.(Source)

18 comments:

I agree, there is something in the air, and it stinks. I sense this centuries "thought police" are as dangerous as the communist finger pointers of the 50's...Just the other fingers pointing in the other direction.

The problem with the world today is there are more horses asses than there are horses.

Yes, we do live in interesting times but I think on the whole we are blessed to be born when we were and into western civilization. The world as a whole has never been more prosperous and free. Average life expectancy has risen from 53 in Victorian Britain to 73 and climbing. Infant mortality used to be measured by how many out of 10 wouldn't reach their 2nd birthday, today it's measured out of a 1000. A century ago appendicitis was fatal, now it's an inconvenience. Famine and plagues used to decimate populations, the black plague killed 1 out of 3 Europeans, wiping out entire villages. Cornelius Vanderbilt and JP Getty despite all their wealth couldn't buy a cell phone or fly coast to coast in a few hours.

It is better to be alive now than say 100 years ago. But in some parts of the world it might as well be 500 years ago. And some of those folks want to be here, and not do anything differently than they do where they came from.

Presents problems it does. Inside the wall of Western Civilization things are good, outside, not so much. And there are folks trying to tear down that wall. Makes me nervous.

Philippians 4 is one of my faves- Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.

8 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 9 And do what you learned and received from me—what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.

"...and not do anything differently than they do where they came from." SHACK!That whole melting pot thing worked pretty well. Our Country's culture absorbs the good things from your culture and ignores the bad. You absorb the good things from our culture and deal with the bad. This whole "cultural appropriation" disapprobation is pure BS!You want to move here for one of two reasons A)because it's better here and you want to make that even better with your skills and talents Or b) you want to change our culture which is also known as conquering us. The latter will end badly, probably for you...Stay Home!